annie
06-09-2005, 01:30 PM
Almost didn't post this after reading Chelle's exciting race report!! But, you know, we can't all do races like that. :cool: So I decided to post anyway, with my little club time trial. Because I was so happy that I did it, and very pleased with my results, considering I was up against women that were 10-25 yrs. younger than me. (Me - 50 yrs. young and proud of it!)
I LIKE Time Trials. After numerous crashes, riding in a Crit will NEVER happen for me and even the pack riding in road races scares me for now. So that leaves the time trial. It's a personal effort, how much can you push yourself, how much can you hurt. Well, when I finished, I honestly don't think I could have gone another 10 seconds faster than I did. I gave it my all. So I am thrilled!!
I averaged 20. 2 mph on a 10-mile course that was uphill for 5 miles and then a turn-around and back for 5. I came in fourth place and got a little cash (half my entry fee.) I wish I had come in 3rd! But I didn't and I don't think I could have pushed any harder than I did. I loved the entire ride. No one used aerobars, so it was an even field. To do any better I would have to seriously train, train, train and I just don't want to do that at this point in my life. I finally realized that I am happy doing what I can without totally killing myself and ignoring everything else in my life. It was a great revelation. To be able to compete without feeling that I NEED to win to be happy with myself. Just doing it and doing as well as possible is a joy.
annie
I LIKE Time Trials. After numerous crashes, riding in a Crit will NEVER happen for me and even the pack riding in road races scares me for now. So that leaves the time trial. It's a personal effort, how much can you push yourself, how much can you hurt. Well, when I finished, I honestly don't think I could have gone another 10 seconds faster than I did. I gave it my all. So I am thrilled!!
I averaged 20. 2 mph on a 10-mile course that was uphill for 5 miles and then a turn-around and back for 5. I came in fourth place and got a little cash (half my entry fee.) I wish I had come in 3rd! But I didn't and I don't think I could have pushed any harder than I did. I loved the entire ride. No one used aerobars, so it was an even field. To do any better I would have to seriously train, train, train and I just don't want to do that at this point in my life. I finally realized that I am happy doing what I can without totally killing myself and ignoring everything else in my life. It was a great revelation. To be able to compete without feeling that I NEED to win to be happy with myself. Just doing it and doing as well as possible is a joy.
annie